There’s nothing as inspiring as seeing someone embracing who they are.

Amanda Black, who’s taken the South African music industry by storm, has admitted that she was bullied as a child because of her dark skin. However, the award-winning musician hasn’t let that get to her.

Amanda said it was really tough growing up as a dark girl. “I thought I was ugly and although I knew about skin bleaching, it never occurred to me to change my complexion. Besides, my mother would never let me.”

It was only after matriculating in 2011, that she learned to appreciate herself.

“I don’t know how it happened but I started feeling beautiful and loving my darkness and wanting to know more about my culture.”

Amanda said “Black” is now her stage name and it represents the fact that she’s dark-skinned. “I am Xhosa and I am African. I now love my dark skin and I love my blackness.”

Now look at her, she’s booked at almost every event, every week and has since scooped up numerous awards and her debut album has since gone platinum.